Connecting Academic Research, Technological Development, and Entrepreneurship: The EuroMov example
Beno?t Bardy
Neuroscientist and consultant in the art and science of movement, professor at Montpellier University, founder of EuroMov, co-founder of BeatHealth SAS
I have consistently grappled with accepting the traditional dichotomy between academic research and innovation . This division is not limited to France but extends worldwide. Across Europe, North and South America, Asia, the fields of science and technology are predominantly divided between the community of researchers, who generate knowledge at a deliberate pace, and the community of entrepreneurs, who swiftly capitalize on that knowledge. This separation permeates not only the individuals involved but also their institutional environments (such as research organizations and incubators), their business models (research grants versus fundraising), their approaches to intellectual property (open science versus protection), and their intended outcomes (non-commercial versus commercial exploitation).
Upon my arrival at Montpellier as a new Professor, and following my experiences in the United States, Marseille, and Paris, I was resolute in establishing a European center dedicated to Movement and Health, the topic of my research. This center would be deeply rooted in disciplines such as Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences, Physiology, Biomechanics, and Information Sciences. My vision was for Research, Technology, and Innovation to not merely coexist within this center but to mutually foster, complement, and enhance one another.
This center, EuroMov , hosted at the Université de Montpellier in France, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month. To commemorate this occasion, I have decided to hit the pause button, gaze into the mirror, and provide an in-depth understanding of its business model, how it started, how it works, and what it has achieved. Throughout the years, many friends and colleagues have asked me about it, and I am delighted to share my experience and possibly inspire others. I am unsure whether a similar model exists elsewhere or if it is exportable to other continents and disciplines, but I would be thrilled to hear your opinion.
1. The origin
Understanding the significance of (this initially vague) idea, the University of Montpellier recognized its importance and included it as one of its priorities in the Federal-Regional Contract Plan (CPER) 2007-2013. The CPER serves as a development tool in France, facilitating the implementation of projects that promote territorial equality. The funding for the infrastructure came mostly from La Région Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée , with additional funding from the Département de l'Hérault (the district), and the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole (the Metropolitan area). Additionally, the European Commission (through FP6, FP7, H2020, and Structural Funds) provided support for equipment and operational needs through successful projects, while the University of Montpellier contributed the land and operational support.
Our talented architects, Gilles Cusy , #Michel_Maraval , and Orianne Champavier , have created a truly remarkable building that exudes comfort and energy efficiency. The design revolves around three fundamental principles: (i) Distinct wings dedicated to various activities such as Research, Technology, Incubation, R&D, and Training, ensuring optimal functionality and organization; (ii) Vibrant communal spaces, including a spacious planted patio, terrace, indoor lunch area, gym, and a multitude of well-equipped meeting rooms, fostering collaboration and interaction; (iii) Crucially, all these facilities are accessible 24/7, providing unrestricted and continuous access to all.
2. The EuroMov economic model
The EuroMov economic model was innovative at the time, and may still be, and I designed it to be as follows:
2.1. Scientists and Entrepreneurs collaborate using tech facilities
At EuroMov, collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs forms a vital cornerstone of our ecosystem. Researchers, based in the Research Wing, and entrepreneurs, located in the Innovation Wing, join forces to collaborate on R&D projects within the field of movement and health. This interdisciplinary collaboration harnesses the collective expertise and knowledge of both groups, fostering innovation and driving advancements in the field. To support their collaborative efforts, researchers and entrepreneurs have access to the shared equipment and facilities provided by the Tech Platform, housed in the EuroMov Engineering Wing. This state-of-the-art equipment, carefully curated to cater to our specific needs, is made available to all. By sharing these resources, EuroMov promotes synergy between research and innovation, enabling the exploration of new ideas, validation of concepts, and development of innovative solutions.
2.2.The EuroMov stamp
Entrepreneurs who are hosted in EuroMov operate in diverse areas, ranging from cutting-edge technologies (e.g., digital solutions for health) to innovative services (e.g., rehabilitation programs) that contribute to advancements in movement and health domains. Entrepreneurs are able to access state-of-the-art facilities, specialized equipment, and valuable scientific and technical support that promote their development and growth. To ensure a supportive environment, entrepreneurs in EuroMov establish partnerships with a parent incubation structure, such as the BIC de Montpellier , the IMT Mines Alès incubator, Alter'Incub Occitanie Pyrénées , and other structures within our region. These partnerships allow entrepreneurs to benefit from the expertise, guidance, and network of these established incubators, providing them with additional resources and opportunities for growth. The selection process for startups to enter EuroMov is based on five key criteria. These criteria include (i) operating within the domain of human movement and health, (ii) developing an innovative technology or service, (iii) utilizing the resources available at the EuroMov technological platform, (iv) establishing partnerships with a parent incubation structure, and (v) actively collaborating with public researchers. These criteria collectively serve as the entry point for selecting startups that align with our vision. EuroMov is not an autonomous incubator but rather an incubation site that provides a conducive environment for existing regional or national incubators.
2.3. A financial win-win
Within EuroMov, researchers and entrepreneurs collaborate to jointly respond to a variety of funding opportunities at regional, national, and European levels. These include University-based programs such as #Companies_on_Campus funds, regional funding programs such as the Regional and Structural Funds, initiatives by organizations like SATT AxLR (Technology Transfer Acceleration Companies), national funding sources like ANR (Agence nationale de la recherche) (National Research Agency) and foundations, as well as European programs like FP7 (Seventh Framework Programme), Horizon 2020 , and now Horizon Europe calls. Project leadership varies based on the stage of scientific development and implementation, as well as the scope of the calls. Some projects are led by researchers when the science is still in its early stages, exploring new frontiers of knowledge. Other projects are led by entrepreneurs when the scientific concepts have matured and are ready for implementation in practical settings or clinical trials, in partnership with our strong regional health institutions, clinics (e.g., Institut Mutualiste Montpelliérain - Clinique Beau Soleil ) and hospital services (e.g., CHU de Montpellier , CHU de N?mes ). Additionally, some projects are led by EuroMov's tech platform, particularly in response to calls that require large-scale equipment or infrastructure. The collaborative nature of project leadership allows for a comprehensive approach that combines scientific rigor, entrepreneurial vision, and technological capabilities to address complex challenges in our field. By leveraging the strengths of both researchers and entrepreneurs, EuroMov maximizes the potential for impactful outcomes and the successful acquisition of funding across various initiatives.
2.4 Joint funding accelerates collaboration
The budgets secured within EuroMov provide the necessary financial resources to drive joint research projects, foster innovation, knowledge transfer, and talent development. They facilitate the recruitment of researchers and engineers, enable the offering of joint internships to engineer and master's students, support the supervision of jointly conducted doctoral theses (the Dispositif Cifre program in France), and provide specific provisions for equipment depreciation costs. These financial resources are instrumental in driving forward research and innovation in the field of movement and health, in strengthening the bonds between EuroMovers, and in promoting a vibrant ecosystem within the center.
2.5. Intellectual Property
In EuroMov, the sharing and management of intellectual property are guided by a transparent and fair approach elaborated at the level of our university. The division of intellectual property rights is determined by considering several factors, including pre-existing knowledge and expertise brought in by each participating party, the specific contributions made by individuals or groups, and the collective contributions achieved through collaborative efforts.
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2.6. Entrepreneurs invest little with significant gains in return
The monthly rent paid by startups serves as a financial contribution towards the overall maintenance and operation of the EuroMov building. In return, they receive a comprehensive accommodation package that provides them with a well-equipped office space tailored to their team's size and requirements. The office comes equipped with essential amenities, including furniture, telephone services, high-speed internet connectivity, and convenient parking facilities, ensuring that startups have the necessary infrastructure and resources to support their operations. Startups often have the opportunity to seek reimbursement for a significant portion of their accommodation costs through the R&D grants they receive. Some grants are specifically designed to support research and innovation efforts with the academic world, making the eligible costs associated with their office space and related facilities potentially recoverable.
2.7. From Incubation to R&D
Following the initial three-year incubation phase in EuroMov at preferred rate (starting at €264/month for a shared office), entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the viability and sustainability of their ventures can choose to extend their presence within the center. During this extended period, they have the opportunity to continue benefiting from the supportive environment and resources provided by EuroMov. The accommodation within their designated module is now offered at market price (€529/month for a 20 m2 office, 672€/month for a 30 m2 office), reflecting a transition from the subsidized incubation phase to a more commercially oriented arrangement.
2.8. Opportunities for young scientists
Hosted companies within EuroMov not only offer internship opportunities for students in our academic programs, such as Movement Sciences, Data Sciences, Medicine, Cognitive Sciences, and more, but they also provide promising employment prospects for young doctors who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. EuroMov has witnessed former PhD students transition from their roles as researchers to becoming entrepreneurs within the center. These individuals have been able to leverage their expertise and research background to launch their own startups, capitalizing on the supportive environment and resources provided by EuroMov. This transition highlights the potential for young researchers to transform their academic achievements into impactful entrepreneurial ventures.
2.9. High-level hybrid training
The center provides a valuable platform for individuals to expand their knowledge and skills beyond their core academic or entrepreneurial pursuits. Master students, PhD students, and post-doctoral scientists can benefit from these specialized training workshops at the intersection of both worlds, to delve deeper into areas of interest related for instance to EU project engineering, data sciences, statistics, or clinical investigation. By acquiring these specialized skills and knowledge, participants can enhance their professional profiles and strengthen their CVs, making them more competitive in their respective domains.
2.10. Promoting interaction
Round-the-clock access to the building and its amenities allows individuals to interact and engage with one another at any time. The terrace and planted patio offer inviting outdoor areas where people can gather, relax, and exchange ideas in a more informal setting. Additionally, the presence of a shared kitchen and lunchroom promotes social interaction and provides opportunities for spontaneous conversations, idea-sharing, and interdisciplinary collaborations. This continuous access to the building and its facilities creates an atmosphere that breaks down barriers and encourages collaboration among individuals from different areas or disciplines, facilitating a dynamic and vibrant community within the space.
3. Some numbers
EuroMov opened on June 23, 2013. Last week, on June 23, 2023, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. In 10 years, we have:
4. Conclusion
Today, led by my esteemed colleague Stéphane Perrey , EuroMov is embarking on an exciting new chapter as EuroMov Digital Health in Motion . With a dynamic team of 100+ scientists and staff, we are dedicated to conducting innovative research at the intersection of Movement Sciences, Health Sciences, and Data Sciences. This endeavor is made possible through a new joint venture between the Université de Montpellier of Montpellier and IMT Mines Alès . During this period, our research and innovation activities will remain focused on Movement and Health, while incorporating Machine Learning algorithms and the broader realm of Artificial Intelligence as a third fundamental pillar. The entrepreneurial aspect of EuroMov will continue to thrive, as IMT Mines Ales (along with IMT engineering schools in general) has a strong industry-oriented approach and a longstanding tradition of supporting young entrepreneurs.
However, we face new challenges as we navigate the intersection of our research-driven endeavors (affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research) and industry-driven activities (affiliated with the Ministry of Industry). Our primary goal remains to improve the health and well-being of the general population. It's an exciting journey ahead, and we are fully committed to embracing these new challenges with enthusiasm.
If this article has sparked your interest or if you have any questions or experiences to share, please don't hesitate to reply, comment, or shoot me a message.